Tracking movement of objects and notifications therefor

ABSTRACT

Improved approaches for monitoring status of articles being shipped are disclosed. The monitoring can produce notifications to interested parties. The notifications typically contain status information pertaining to the articles being shipped. Alternatively, interested parties can gain access to status information pertaining to the articles being shipped via a website. According to one embodiment, the status information includes at least position (location) information and shipping conditions information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/933,578, filed Mar. 23, 2018, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORPROVIDING SHIPMENT TRACKING AND NOTIFICATIONS,” now U.S. Pat. No.10,614,408, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which inturn is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,641,filed Mar. 13, 2013, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDINGSHIPMENT TRACKING AND NOTIFICATIONS,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference, which in turn is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/924,470, filed Sep. 27, 2010, and entitled“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SHIPMENT TRACKING AND NOTIFICATIONS,”now U.S. Pat. No. 8,725,165, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference, which in turn is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/732,581, filed Apr. 3, 2007, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR PROVIDING SHIPMENT TRACKING AND NOTIFICATIONS,” now U.S. Pat. No.7,809,377, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which inturn is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/397,637,filed Mar. 26, 2003, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDINGSHIPMENT TRACKING AND NOTIFICATIONS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,829, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

By way of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/397,637, thisapplication also claims benefit of: (i) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/444,198, filed Jan. 30, 2003, and entitled “SYSTEM,METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MONITORING, DELIVERING,MANAGING AND USING STATUS INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/418,491, filed Oct. 15, 2002, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MONITORING, DELIVERING, MANAGINGAND USING STATUS INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/404,645,filed Aug. 19, 2002, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FORACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MONITORING, DELIVERING, MANAGING AND USINGPOSITION AND OTHER INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/375,998,filed Apr. 24, 2002, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FORACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MANAGING AND USING POSITION INFORMATION,” whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/397,473, filed Mar. 26, 2003, and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR INTELLIGENT ACQUISITION OF POSITION INFORMATION,” now U.S. Pat. No.6,975,941; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/397,472, filed Mar.26, 2003, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus to Analyze and PresentLocation Information;” (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/397,641, filed Mar. 26, 2003, and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORPERSONALIZED MEDICAL MONITORING AND NOTIFICATIONS THEREFOR;” (iv) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/397,640, filed Mar. 26, 2003, andentitled “INEXPENSIVE POSITION SENSING DEVICE;” (v) U.S. PatentApplication No. 10/397,474, filed March 26, 2003, and entitled “METHODAND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED MESSAGING;” (vi) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/397,512, filed Mar. 26, 2003, and entitled “APPLICATIONS OFSTATUS INFORMATION FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Objects are regularly shipped from a sender to a recipient. The objectscan be packages, containers or boxes, or items within packages,containers or boxes. However, for the most part, once an object leavesthe sender and enters a shipping channel, the sender and recipient havelittle or no knowledge about the shipments.

Recently, shipping companies, such as Federal Express, have enabledusers to track shipments using tracking numbers uniquely assigned to theobjects being shipped. A user can access the FedEx.com website andretrieve tracking information about a particular package or can arrangeto have such tracking information emailed to a particular email address.The tracking information can include such information as shipment date,delivery location, delivery date/time, person acknowledging receipt, andscan activity. The scan activity provides a listing of each of thelocations (and date and time) during the shipment where the package wasscanned. Even more recently, FedEx introduced a Web-based business tool,referred to as FedEx InSight, to help businesses manage their shippingactivities. FedEx InSight is advertised as facilitating: (i) trackinginbound, outbound and third-party payor shipments; (ii) providingnotifications of critical shipping events via electronic mail,facsimile, Internet or wireless means; (iii) providing status summariesof international and domestic shipments on one report; and (iv) helpingto pinpoint customs delays and delivery attempts and then suggestingways to expedite delivery.

Notwithstanding the recent advances in tracking shipments, there stillexists various problems that lead to lack of understanding of shipmentsactivity and conditions. When scanning of packages at various locationsduring a route of shipment is used to tracking location, personnel mustmanually perform such scanning. Further, the location of packages isonly known at the time that the packages are scanned at certainlocations (scanning locations). In shipping a package, there is a needto have more precise and robust knowledge of the position and conditionof the package throughout the shipping process.

SUMMARY

Broadly speaking, the invention relates to improved approaches formonitoring status of articles being shipped. The monitoring can producenotifications to interested parties. The notifications typically containstatus information pertaining to the articles being shipped.Alternatively, interested parties can gain access to status informationpertaining to the articles being shipped via a website. According to oneembodiment, the status information includes at least position (location)information and shipping conditions information. The invention can beimplemented in numerous ways including, a method, system, device,graphical user interface, and a computer readable medium.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an article shipment notification systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of article shipment notification processingaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of notification message processing according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of requested notification processing accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of email status processing according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a representative notification setup screen according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of insurance compliance processing according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of refund processing according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an object tracking system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a number of embodiments for the position-computing deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows examples of connections made by the position-computingdevice of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows examples of auxiliary sensors of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows examples of information provided by the remote site of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 shows examples of actions performed by an actuator of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 shows one embodiment of the position-sensing device of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 shows one embodiment of the position-sensing device of thepresent invention having a high-frequency and a low-frequency circuit.

FIG. 18 shows examples of component sharing in the high-frequencysection of the position-sensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a high-frequency circuit of theposition-sensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows examples of component sharing in the low-frequency circuitof the present invention.

FIG. 21A shows one embodiment of low-frequency circuit of theposition-sensing device of the present invention.

FIG. 21 B shows examples of integrating a position-sensing device withdifferent types of auxiliary sensors.

FIG. 22 shows examples of the position-sensing device form factor of thepresent invention.

FIG. 23 shows examples of fabrication techniques for the presentinvention.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a micromachined accelerometer for thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 shows examples of applications for the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a mobile device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 shows a number of structural issues regarding the devices forthe present invention.

FIG. 28 shows one embodiment of the invention that includes two modes oftransmissions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to improved approaches for monitoring status ofarticles being shipped. The monitoring can produce notifications tointerested parties. The notifications typically contain statusinformation pertaining to the articles being shipped. Alternatively,interested parties can gain access to status information pertaining tothe articles being shipped via a website. According to one embodiment,the status information includes at least position (location) informationand shipping conditions information.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.However, it will become obvious to those skilled in the art that theinvention may be practiced without these specific details. Thedescription and representation herein are the common meanings used bythose experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitryhave not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuringaspects of the present invention.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutuallyexclusive of other embodiments. Further, the order of blocks in processflowcharts or diagrams representing one or more embodiments of theinvention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply anylimitations in the invention.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 1-28. However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extendsbeyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an article shipment notification system 100according to one embodiment of the invention. The article shipmentnotification system 100 provides web-based article shipment managementcapable of not only tracking the shipment of articles but also providingnotifications to users of the system.

The article shipment notification system 100 includes a shipper 102 anda recipient 104. Typically, the article shipment notification system 100would support multiple shippers and multiple recipients. However, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, only the shipper 102 and the recipient 104are illustrated. It is assumed that an article is being shipped by theshipper 102 to the recipient 104. A shipper is a person, entity orassociated computing device that is responsible for or associated withshipping an article, and a recipient is a person, entity or associatedcomputing device to which the article is being shipped.

In order to track the location and shipping conditions of the articlebeing shipped from the shipper 102 to the recipient 104, a trackingdevice (TD1) 106 is provided within or attached to the article beingshipped. Additionally, a second tracking device (TD2) 108 is alsoillustrated in FIG. 1 which could be used to track another article. Thefirst tracking device 106 and the second tracking device 108 are coupledto a wireless network 110. In general, the article shipment notificationsystem 100 supports many different tracking devices. Typically, for eacharticle being tracked, the article shipment notification system 100would use a separate tracking device.

The wireless network 110 is coupled to the Internet 112. Further, atracking server 114 is coupled to the Internet 112. The tracking server114 also couples to a tracking database 116. The Internet 112 can bereplaced by other data networks (e.g., enterprise network, regionalnetwork, Local Area Network, or Wide Area Network).

While an article is being shipped from the shipper 102 to the recipient104, the first tracking device 106 gathers status information associatedwith the article. The status information includes at least position(location) information and/or shipping conditions information. Theposition information is obtained typically from a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver within the first tracking device 106. The positioninformation can be obtained or augmented by a local positioning systemsuch as utilized with a local network (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).The shipping conditions information pertains to conditions of orsurrounding an article during its shipment. The shipping conditionsinformation can vary with application. Examples of shipping conditionsthat can be provided within shipping conditions information include oneor more of vibration, acceleration, speed, or direction of travel of, orforce or pressure on, the article. Other examples of shipping conditionsthat can be provided within shipping conditions information include oneor more of temperature, humidity, pressure, gaseous or liquid states,chemical compositions, wind speed, color composition, scent, light,sound, smoke, particle or radiation (e.g., infrared radiation).

The status information that is obtained by the first tracking device 106is sent by the first tracking device 106 to the tracking server 114 viathe wireless network 110 and the Internet 112. The tracking server 114stores the status information pertaining to the first tracking device106 into the tracking database 116 such that it is associated with theparticular article being shipped. The tracking server 114 tracks theshipment of various articles, and thus stores status informationpertaining to the particular articles being shipped.

As the article is being shipped, the tracking server 114 can alsomonitor the status information associated with the first tracking device106 (as well as other tracking devices used with the article shipmentnotification system 100). The tracking server 114 can produce and sendvarious notifications to shippers and/or recipients of articles beingshipped using the article shipment notification system 100. Moreparticularly, the tracking server 114 can monitor the status informationprovided by the first tracking device 106 and determine whether and whento send notifications to either the shipper 102 or the recipient 104, orboth.

In one embodiment, the shipper 102 and/or the recipient 104 can providenotification criteria to the tracking server 114. The shipper 102 andthe recipient 104 are coupled to the Internet 112 and thus can supplynotification criteria to the tracking server 114 (as well as receivenotifications from the tracking server 114). The notification criteriacan specify the channel, timing and nature of the notifications to bereceived. The notification messages can be transmitted through differentchannels, such as electronic mail, text message (e.g., page, instantmessage, etc.), voice call, and facsimile. The timing, for example, canbe periodic (e.g., daily) or on events or conditions. The nature of thenotification messages can vary based on circumstances and/or userpreferences. For example, the user might only desire urgent messages andnot messages of lesser priorities. As another example, the user mightwant to receive messages in an abbreviated format as opposed to adetailed format. As still another example, the user might want toreceive warning messages or messages indicating that corrective actionis suggested, but opt not to receive regular status messages. In oneembodiment, the notification criteria can also be considered userconfiguration data.

The article shipment notification system 100 can allow the shipper 102and the recipient 104 to interact with the tracking server 114 through aweb interface so that such users are able to configure or set-up toreceive certain notifications. The web interface can facilitate a userin arranging to receive notifications by indicating notificationcriteria. For example, through use of the web interface, a user can makeuser selections to indicate the notifications to be received and whereand by what channels the notifications are to be provided.

The article shipment notification system 100 can provide variousdifferent notifications to interested users, such as the shipper 102 andthe recipient 104. For example, the shipper 102 might receive anotification that the article shipment has been delayed, a notificationthat the article has been delivered (arrived at the destination), anotification that shipping conditions violations have occurred, or anotification of the position of the article. For example, the recipient104 might receive notifications such as a notification that an articlehas been shipped identifying the recipient as the person or entityreceiving the article, a notification that an article being shipped tothe recipient is nearby, and a notification that an article will bedelivered to the recipient shortly (optionally including an estimateddelivery time), a notification of shipping conditions violations, or anotification of the position of the article.

The article shipment notification system 100 can also include at leastone third-party 118. The third-party 118 is a user interested in theshipment of the article other than the shipper 102 or the recipient 104.The article shipment notification system 100 can operate (or beconfigured to operate) to provide certain notifications to thethird-party 118. The above-mentioned web interface can be used toconfigure or set-up such notifications. As examples, the third-party 118can represent a shipping entity, an insurance company, a managementorganization, a financial organization, etc.

In one embodiment, the notifications can have different levels. Thelevel of a notification can depend on security clearance, authorization,ranks within companies, or the recipient. For example, a notificationdirected to an insurance company might contain all available statusinformation. In another example, a notification directed to a recipientof the article might only contain selected types/portions of statusinformation (e.g., time of arrival but not humidity information).

The notification can be initiated by a server, such as the trackingserver 104, or on-demand by a requestor (e.g., interested user).

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of article shipment notification processing 200according to one embodiment of the invention. The article shipmentnotification processing 200 can, for example, be performed by a servermachine, such as the tracking server 114 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The article shipment notification processing 200 receives 201 statusinformation for an article from a mobile communication device. Here, themobile communication device transmits the status information for thearticle that is associated with (e.g., coupled to or encloses) themobile communication device. The status information that is beingtransmitted is received at the server by way of a wireless and/or wirednetwork. Next, the status information is stored 202 to a trackingdatabase. The tracking database allows the status information for thearticle to be organized for subsequent evaluation. The article shipmentnotification processing 200 then determines 204 whether a notificationcondition exists based on the status information and notificationcriteria. The status information for the article was received from thecorresponding mobile communication device and stored in the trackingdatabase as noted above. The notification criteria can be either defaultnotification criteria or user-specified notification criteria. In anycase, the status information and the notification criteria are utilizedto determine whether a notification condition exists. Thereafter, anotification message is produced 206 when the notification conditionexists. After the notification message is produced 206 the notificationmessage is sent 208 to an interested user. The manner by which thenotification message is sent 208 can vary depending upon the nature ofthe notification message, the capabilities of the communication systembeing used, the preferences of the interested user, and the like. Afterthe notification message has been sent 208, the article shipmentnotification processing 200 is complete and ends.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of notification message processing 300according to one embodiment of the invention. The notification messageprocessing 300 can, for example, represent a more detailedimplementation for the operations 206 and 208 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The notification message processing 300 assumes that the notificationsystem supports the various types of notifications and distinguishesthose notifications based on the existence of particular notificationconditions. More specifically, the notification conditions beingprocessed by the notification message processing 300 include, forexample, notification conditions pertaining to a new shipment, aposition update, an environmental violation, and a delivery status.

The notification message processing 300 begins with a decision 302 thatdetermines whether a new shipment notification condition exists. As anexample, a new shipment notification condition is a notificationcondition that is used to indicate that a new shipment is or has beensent. The new shipment notification condition might notify a recipientthat an article was shipped to them on a particular date, from aparticular person, and possible also indicate the approximate arrivaldate and/or time. Still further, in one embodiment, the new shipmentnotification message can include a link (e.g., hyperlink) to a serverlocation wherein notifications can be arranged. When the decision 302determines that a new shipment notification condition does exist, then anew shipment notification is produced and sent 304. Alternatively, whenthe decision 302 determines that a new shipment notification conditiondoes not exist, then a decision 306 determines whether a position updatenotification condition exists. When the decision 306 determines that aposition update notification condition exists, then a positionnotification message is produced and sent 308. On the other hand, whenthe decision 306 determines that a position update notificationcondition does not exist, then a decision 310 determines whether anenvironmental violation notification condition exists. When the decision310 determines that an environmental violation notification conditiondoes exist, then an environmental notification message is produced andsent 312. As an example, an environmental notification message informsthe recipient of the message that one or more environmental violationnotification conditions have been violated. For example, theenvironmental notification message might indicate that the temperatureof the article has exceeded a desired limit, that the humidity hasexceeded a desired limit, or that the article has undergone excessiveforces. Alternatively, when the decision 310 determines that anenvironmental violation notification condition does not exist, then adecision 314 determines whether a delivery notification conditionexists. When the decision 314 determines that a delivery notificationcondition does exist, then a delivery notification message is producedand sent 316. On the other hand, when the decision 314 determines that adelivery notification condition does not exist, then as well asfollowing the operation 316, a notification message processing 300 iscomplete and ends.

It should be noted that the notification message processing can send oneor more notifications to an interested user at any point in time.Additionally, the multiple notifications can be combined into a singlenotification. Further, additional notification conditions beyond thosediscussed with respect to the notification message processing 300 shownin FIG. 3 can also be utilized and processed in a similar manner. Stillfurther, the organization or arrangement of the processing of thenotification message processing 300 shown in FIG. 3 is illustrative andthus not required. For example, the order of evaluating the decisions isnot limited to that shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the notificationmessage processing 300 can vary with implementation.

As an illustration regarding notification, the shipping conditionsinformation can provide chemical related feedback or notificationinformation based on chemical substances being sensed within the packageor object being shipped. For example, a chemical sensor can be providedwithin the mobile tracking device to sense chemical compositions (e.g.,gaseous components).

With respect to the notification criteria utilized to determine whennotifications are to be sent, a user can configure those notificationsdesired and the particular conditions for such notifications. Forexample, a user can configure notifications by interacting with a website to set the notification criteria.

Although the notifications often are sent to the sender or recipient ofthe package or article being shipped, the notifications can also be sentor forwarded to third parties. One particular third party is, forexample, an insurance representative. The notification can indicate thatcertain shipping conditions have been violated. The notification canalso provide instructions or recommendations to take corrective action.The corrective action can, for example, include fixing the problem thatcaused the shipping conditions violation or mitigating damages caused bythe shipping conditions violation.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of requested notification processing 400according to one embodiment of the invention. The requested notificationprocessing 400 is, for example, performed by a server machine, such asthe tracking server 114 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The requested notification processing 400 begins with a decision 402that determines whether a status request has been received. When thedecision 402 determines that a status request has not been received, therequested notification processing 400 awaits such a request. In otherwords, the requested notification processing 400 is invoked when astatus request is received. A user (i.e., requestor) typically initiatesthe requested notification processing 400 when status information isdesired by making a status request (or notification request).

Once the decision 402 determines that a status request has beenreceived, then an identifier for the mobile tracking device isdetermined 404. The identifier serves to identify the particular mobiletracking device for which the status information is to be obtained.After the identifier is identified, status information for the mobiletracking device associated with the identifier is retrieved 406. Ifdesired, the requested notification processing 400 can further determinewhether the requestor for the status information is authorized toreceive the status information or the level of status information therequestor is authorized to receive.

After the status information has been retrieved 406, a responseincluding at least a portion of the status information is formed 408. Inone embodiment, the response being formed 408 is in the format of anelectronic mail message (email). For example, if the status request werein the form of an email message (including any text or graphical messagebeing electronically transmitted), the response could be a reply emailto the status request email message. In other embodiment, the responsebeing formed 408 can take various other formats. After the response hasbeen formed 408, the response is transmitted 410 to the requestor. Thetransmission of the response can be over a wireless and/or a wirednetwork. For example, when the format of the response is an emailmessage, the response is typically sent to a network address or emailaddress associated with the requestor that issued the status request.Following the operation 410, the requested notification processing 400is complete and ends.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of email status processing 500 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The email status processing 500 is, forexample, performed by a server machine, such as the tracking server 114illustrated in FIG. 1. The email status processing 500 can be considereda more detailed embodiment of the requested notification processing 400illustrated in FIG. 4.

The email status processing 500 begins with a decision 502 thatdetermines whether an email status request has been received 502 from arequestor. When the decision 502 determines that an email status requesthas not been received, then the email status processing 500 awaits sucha request. Once the decision 502 determines that an email status requesthas been received, then the email status request is parsed 504 to get areference number and requestor information.

Next, a decision 506 determines whether the requestor is authorized.Here, the determination of whether or not the requestor is authorizedcan be performed using some or all of the requestor information and thereference number for the mobile tracking device of interest. When thedecision 506 determines that the requestor is not authorized, then aninformation unavailable reply message is sent 508 to the requestor.

When the decision 506 determines that the requestor is authorized, themobile tracking device is determined 510 based on the reference number.As an example, the reference number can be an identifier that is used byusers to identify the mobile tracking device they are desirous oftracking. Internally the system may use the reference number or anotheridentifier. The reference number may be a fixed number or are-assignable number that specifies a particular mobile tracking device.For example, the reference number can be a telephone number or networkaddress used by the mobile tracking device for communications.

After the mobile tracking device has been determined 510, the statusinformation for the determined mobile tracking device is retrieved 512.In one embodiment, the status information is retrieved 512 from adatabase that stores status information for a plurality of mobiletracking devices. The database is, for example, the tracking database116 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Next, a decision 514 determines whether the requested response ispermitted. In other words, although the requestor is permitted to accessthe status information, the type of response that is permitted to besupplied to the requestor could be limited. Hence, when the decision 514determines that the requested response is not permitted, then arequested response unavailable message is sent 516 to the requestor. Onthe other hand, when the decision 514 determines that the requestedresponse is permitted, then a response message is produced and sent 518to the requestor. In one embodiment, the message can take differentformats depending upon a user's configuration requests or thedestination for the response . Following the operation 518, as well asfollowing the operations 508 and 516, the email status processing 500ends.

A web interface (or Graphical User Interface) can be made available tousers. The web interface can, among other things, assist a user withconfiguring notifications for themselves or others. One embodiment ofsuch a web interface is referred to as a notification setup screen.

FIG. 6 is a representative notification setup screen 600 according toone embodiment of the invention. The notification setup screen 600 is,for example, displayed on a display device associated with a user'scomputer. The notification setup screen 600 would be presented on thedisplay device of the user's computer when the user desires to configurethe notification system to provide certain automated notifications. Asan example, a network browser application operating on the user'scomputer can present the notification setup screen 600 and interfacethereby with the tracking server 114 to configure the notificationsystem. The user can, for example, be the shipper 102, the recipient 104or the third-party 118 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The notification setup screen 600 includes a notification format region602, a notification destination region 604, and a notification criteriaregion 606. These regions are portions of the notification setup screenwhich is often a window displayed on a display device as a graphicaluser interface. The notification format region 602 is a region thatallows the user to select a notification channel (format). In theexample, shown in FIG. 6, the user is able to select one of email, pageor facsimile as the notification channel. The notification destinationregion 604 is a region that allows the user to specify one or moredestinations. The destination can be an email address, a networkaddress, a telephone number, or a facsimile number. The notificationcriteria region 606 is a region that allows the user to select, enter orotherwise choose notification criteria. The notification criteria setwhen and/or what notification are sent to the recipient users. Thenotification criteria can, for example, enable a user to specify thatnotifications are to be sent based on position, delivery or otherconditions. For example, the notifications regarding position can beconfigured to be sent periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, etc.)or based on a distance traversed (e.g., every 1, 5, 10, 50 or 100miles). For example, the notifications regarding delivery can beconfigured to be sent on delivery of the article/object to adestination, or when delivery is impending (i.e., article/object isproximate to the destination). For example, the notification regardingconditions of the shipment can be initiated periodically or on-event. Inthe representative example shown in FIG. 6, the notification can beperiodic (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) or can be when an extremecondition occurs, such as temperature exceeding a threshold temperatureor a force exceeding a threshold amount.

Regardless of how the notification is triggered, the content of thenotification could include merely status information about the conditioncausing the trigger, or could also include other current statusinformation. For example, a periodic position notification could alsoinclude other status information besides position information. Likewise,a periodic condition notification could include other conditioninformation (e.g., temperature, force, etc.) as well as positioninformation.

Further, different channels, types or criteria can be used to providenotifications to different recipients. Hence, the notification can becustomized for different users, namely, shippers, recipients andthird-parties.

The web interface used to configure notification is not limited to thenotification setup screen 600 illustrated in FIG. 6. Instead, the webinterface can take a variety of different forms. It may use defaults,preferences (e.g., user-specified or inferred from prior actions), orother means to assist the user in interfacing with the web interface.

The notifications provided by the invention can be informative and/orinstructive. The informative nature of the notifications reflects theinclusion of status information in the notification. The instructivenature of the notifications can reflect instructions or requests forcorrective action to remedy dangerous or unwanted status of theshipment. For example, if a shipment is reaching dangerously hightemperatures, the shipping company can be notified of the present oranticipated problem and request corrective action to remedy thesituation. Further, the status information history for the shipment ofthe article can be made available so an interested user can evaluatewhere a problem occurred, how it occurred, and who was at fault.

When shipping an article, a shipper might insure the shipment. Theinsurance could, for example, be provided by the shipping entity or athird party. The insurance could insure against certain insuredcriteria, such as delivery by a deadline, damage to the article,exposure of the article to an unaccepted environmental conditions, etc.Notifications concerning violations (or non-violations) of insuredcriteria can be automatically provided to interested users.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of insurance compliance processing 700according to one embodiment of the invention. The insurance complianceprocessing 700 can, for example, allow notification messages to beautomatically sent to interested users (e.g., shipping entity, shipper,or insurance representative).

The insurance compliance processing 700 receives 702 status informationfor an article from a mobile communication device. As noted above, atleast in one embodiment, the status information includes at leastposition (location) information and shipping conditions information. Inaddition, insured criteria pertaining to the shipment of the article isreceived 704. The insured criteria are typically dependent on insurancepolicy coverage placed on the article. Next, the status information iscompared 706 with the insured criteria. A decision 708 then determineswhether a notification condition exists. In one implementation, anotification condition exists when the status information indicates thatone or more insured criteria have been breached. In anotherimplementation, an interested user can configure the system to setnotification conditions associated with status conditions and insuredcriteria. When the decision 708 determines that a notification conditionexists, then a notification message is produced 710. The notificationmessage is then sent 712 to an interested user. After the notificationmessage is sent 712, the insurance compliance processing 700 is completeand ends. Alternatively, when the decision 708 determines that anotification condition does not exist, then the operations 710 and 712are bypassed and the insurance compliance processing 700 ends.

In the course of shipping an article, a shipping entity might haveagreed to deliver the article to a destination within a prescribedperiod of time. The failure of the shipping entity to meet this or anyother condition can entitle the sender or recipient to a refund of someof all of the costs the sender incurred in shipping the article.Typically, the party that originally paid for the costs of the shippingwould normally be the party that receives the refund. The discussionprovided below primarily assumes that the sender is the party that wouldreceive any refund, though such is not a limitation.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of refund processing 800 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The refund processing 800 serves toautomatically request and process refunds on behalf of senders, andtheir refunds with respect to shipping entities.

The refund processing 800 begins by receiving 802 status informationpertaining to a package (i.e., article). The package is being shipped toa recipient. The sender is utilizing a carrier (i.e., shipping entity)to perform the shipping function to deliver the package to therecipient. A decision 804 determines whether there are any guaranteedconditions associated with the shipment that have not been satisfied.Here, the status information can be utilized to determine whether one ormore of the guaranteed conditions are not satisfied. The guaranteedconditions are typically associated with a shipping agreement betweenthe sender and the shipping entity. In one embodiment, one guaranteedcondition of a shipment is a guaranteed delivery time. When the decision804 determines that one or more guaranteed conditions of the shipmenthave not been satisfied, then a refund request is prepared 806 torecover some or all of the cost to ship the package. Next, the refundrequest is electronically submitted 808 to the shipping entity. Thesubmission to the shipping entity can be done using a general address, aspecial address associated with refunds, or it could be an agent'saddress that is utilized to process the refund request for the shippingentity. Further, the electronic submission 808 can be performed throughelectronic mail, facsimile transmission, or FTP transmission. After therefund request has been electronically submitted 808, the user (sender)is notified 810 that the refund request has been submitted. On the otherhand, when the decision 804 determines that all guaranteed conditionshave (so far) been satisfied, then the operations 806-810 are bypassed.Following the operation 810, the refund processing 800 is complete andends.

Additionally, the refund processing could also further monitor theprocessing of a refund request by the shipping entity. For example,after submission of the refund request, the refund processing canexamine whether the refund associated with the refund request has beenreceived. Further, additional monitoring could be performed to determinethat the receipt of the refund request has been received, the stage ofits processing by the shipping entity, or other refund relatedinformation. Furthermore, the user (sender) can be notified when therefund monies have been received. These refund monies can beelectronically transmitted to the sender or can be placed in an accountthat is associated with the sender.

The refund processing can be initiated in a variety of different ways.For example, the refund processing can be triggered by the arrival ofthe package at its destination. Alternatively, the refund processingcould be performed whenever a guaranteed condition is not met, such asthe guaranteed delivery time has been exceeded. As yet anotheralternative, the refund processing can be performed as statusinformation is updated or as processing resources are available.

The invention is suitable for asset management, such as trackinglocation/position of assets and monitoring conditions of assets. Assetscan, for example, include: packages, purchased goods, movingboxes/creates, and pallets.

The position resolution can be enhanced through use of a communitylayout and/or profile information.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an object tracking system 900 according toone embodiment of the invention. The object tracking system 900 can beused to track various objects including packages, humans, pets and thelike. The object tracking system 900 includes a plurality of wirelessdevices 902. These wireless devices 902 are provided with or proximateto objects being tracked by the object tracking system 900. These mobiledevices 902 have GPS receivers that can receive GPS position informationfrom a GPS system 903. The acquisition of such position information canbe performed on demand, periodically or on need. The mobile devices 902communicate over wireless links with a wireless network 904. Thewireless network 904 then couples to a wired network 906. A locationmanagement server 908 is coupled to the wireless network 906. Thelocation management server 908 provides centralized storage of thelocation information for each of the mobile devices 902 in a locationdatabase 910. A map database 912 is also coupled to the locationmanagement server 908. The map database 912 can directly connect to thelocation management server 908 or can reside elsewhere on the wirednetwork 906. The location management server 908 can interact with themap database 912 to convert position information provided by the GPSinformation into map coordinates, street addresses, etc.

In addition, the object tracking system 900 also includes a communitylayout server 914. The community layout server 914 can be coupled to thewired network 906 or the wireless network 904. In one embodiment, acommunity can be associated with a commercial building, a shopping mall,a residential community and the like. The community layout server 914interacts with a community layout database 916 to resolve locations,such as street addresses and cross streets, into more intelligiblelocations in a community. For example, instead of a street address, thelocations can pertain to points of interest with respect to thecommunity. As an illustration, in the case of a commercial building,with five floors, the community layout database 916 would convert theGPS information (plus any additional sensor information relevant tomaking the determination also provided by the mobile device 902, such asaltitude and direction) to obtain a community location or point ofinterest. For example, using the GPS position information together withother sensor information, the community layout server 914 can interactwith the community layout database 916 to precisely locate a particularmobile device 902 to a particular point of interest. In the case of thecommercial building with five floors, the mobile device 902 can bepinpointed to the third floor which pertains to the corporation Acme,Inc. The point of interest or community position can then be sent fromthe community layout server 914 through the wired network 906 to thelocation management server 908 which then in turn stores the communityposition or point of interest in the location database 910 as theposition of the particular mobile device 902.

Once the location database 910 has the positions of the mobile devices902, when subsequent position data is sent to the location managementserver 908, these positions are suitably updated in the locationdatabase 910. Additionally, other of the mobile devices 902 or arepresentative client machine 918 coupled through an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) 920 to the wired network 906 can be permitted to accessthe locations of one or more of the mobile devices 902. Assuming thatthe requesting party is allowed access to said position information, therequest for such information is processed by the location managementserver 908. When permission is granted, the locations desired areretrieved from the location database 910 and returned to either therequesting mobile devices 902 or the requesting client machine 918. In asimilar manner, access to other non-location information (i.e.,additional sensor information or conditions information) pertaining tothe mobile devices 902 can be available.

In one embodiment, the client machine 918 or a particular one of themobile devices 902 can set up a private or semi-private web page that ishosted by a server (e.g., the location management server 908 or otherserver) on the wired network 906. Then, the page can be customized tomonitor the location of a number of the mobile devices 902. Hence,thereafter, the requestor need only access the customized web page toobtain the current position information for such mobile devices. Withsuch an embodiment, a web page could be provided to track a plurality ofpackages being transported from a warehouse to a customer. In anotherembodiment, a similar web page can be setup to allow a parent to trackthe position of mobile devices that are affixed to his children suchthat the parent can easily monitor the position of his children. In thisexample, the object tracked is a living being (e.g., person).

The object tracking system 900 could also be augmented by wirelessprofile devices 922. These profile devices 922 can wirelessly couple tothe mobile devices 902 using the wireless network 904. The profiledevices 922 could be short range transmitters or transceivers. Theprofile devices 922 could store one or more profiles for a particularlocation in which they reside.

Hence, the mobile device 902 can wirelessly communicate with the profiledevice 922, if available, to acquire a profile pertaining to itslocation. For example, with the profile device 922 placed in the officebuilding of Acme, Inc., when the mobile device 902 is in such officebuilding, the mobile device 902 can acquire the profile from theproximate profile device 922. The profile can include the business name,its location, contact information for the business, etc. Thereafter,some or all of the profile information can be stored in the mobiledevice 902 and/or forwarded to the location management server 908 orother server for storage. Hence, the location provided by the profilemay be more exacting and descriptive than the GPS position, such thatthe location of the mobile device 902 can be better determined.

In some cases it may be useful to control or limit the wirelesscommunications with respect to the profile devices 922 so that themobile devices 902 do not inadvertently receive the wrong profile.Various techniques can be utilized to provide control over the wirelesscommunications. For example, the profile device 922 may or may not use adirectional antenna. As another example, the profile device 922 couldalso control (e.g., limit) its transmission power.

In one embodiment of package tracking and monitoring, a GPS-enabledmobile device is attached to a package. As the package travels, themobile device periodically sends its position information wirelessly toa center. This can be done, for example, through a cellular connection.The center keeps track of the package's location, and can post its pathon a Web site. A user might have to pay to access the locationinformation. For example, at 3 am in the morning, the user can log intothe site, and enter a password to find out that the package is on the9th floor of the Empire State Building (e.g., it destination), or moreparticularly the package is at the office of Acme, Inc. on the 9th floorof the Empire State Building.

In one embodiment, in addition to position information, otheridentifying information can also be automatically included based onradio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The RFID tags typicallyinclude memory chips equipped and radio antennas. They can be attachedto objects (or people) to transmit data about the objects. Typically,the memory chips do not include tremendous amount of information. Theymay only have 2 kilobytes of data, sufficient to encode, such as aserial number, where and when the product was manufactured, and otherrelevant information. These tags can come in a number of configurations.For example, an active tag uses a battery-powered transponder to emit aconstant signal carrying the identifying information programmed into thechip. Active tags are more applicable to situations where readers arenot close to the tags. A semi-passive tag likewise has a battery, butmay not be activated until it receives a signal from a reader. They aremore applicable to situations that do not need continuous tracking. Apassive tag has no battery; its antenna extracts power from the reader'sradio wave signal to transmit the identifying information on the chip.Passive tags are typically relatively inexpensive, but may have to bewithin a few feet of a reader to extract power. The tags can provideidentifying information to the corresponding positioning information,which may also include temporal information. Together, the location andidentification of assets can be automatically tracked.

In still another embodiment, personalized asset management or objecttracking can be provided. For example, a user can track a package orobject being shipped at her convenience. Such tracking can be achievedindependent of a shipping entity that ships the package. Arepresentative scenario is as follows. A user acquires a location-aware(e.g., GPS-aware) mobile communication device, such as alimited-functionality mobile telephone or 2-way pager, and places themobile communication device in or on the package or object. The usermakes note of the identifier for the mobile communication device. Then,periodically or on-demand, the user can determine the precise locationof her package. In one implementation, the user (or a server on theuser's behalf) sends a message to the mobile communication object. Themessage can be a voice or text message, or other form of data, thatsimply requests the mobile communication device to get its presentlocation. The mobile communication device then determines its location.The mobile communication device can determine its location, for example,by directly using a GPS receiver or indirectly via another device in itsimmediate vicinity having GPS awareness. Further, battery lifetime canbe conserved using the intelligent GPS information acquisitionapproaches noted in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/375,998.The mobile communication device then replies back (e.g., through voiceor text message) to the user (or server) to inform of its presentlocation. The user can, for example, call or page the mobilecommunication device and get the reply message. Alternatively, the userneed only access the server to access the location data it holds for thepackage or object associated with the mobile communication device. Theserver can also automatically track these mobile communication deviceand alert the users when problems or delays in its transport areidentified. Further, alerts or message could notify a recipient orsender of an object or package when the same is determined to bein-route, arrived at and/or proximate to its destination. Besideslocation, the reply message could also provide other information such asvelocity, temperature, humidity, pressure, forces or stresses.

In one embodiment, the mobile device (mobile tracking device or mobilecommunication device) can include a solar panel. The solar panel canprovide electrical power for the mobile device. The solar panel can thuscharge a battery used to power the mobile device and/or itself power themobile device. When the mobile device is affixed to an object (e.g.,package) to be shipped, the solar panel can remain at least partiallyexposed to the outside of the object so as to be able to receive light.The solar panel can be integrated with the housing of the mobile deviceor can be separate and couple to the mobile device via one or more wires(e.g., a cable).

The present invention has described one or more GPS devices as toidentify a location. However, the present invention is not limited tousing GPS devices. In certain situations, other wireless or mobiledevices can also serve as location-designating devices, such as devicesbased on GSM technologies or Wi-Fi technologies. Through the techniquesof triangulation, these devices can also designate a location. Suchtriangulation techniques should be known to those skilled in the art.

One embodiment of the invention relates to an inexpensiveposition-sensing device that allows widespread use and availability ofposition information. The availability of position information in aninexpensive manner is highly desirable. However, there are a number offactors preventing such availability, such as cost and, sometimes, thesize of the sensors. One approach of the invention provides aninexpensive position-sensing device that can be attached to or locatedon an object. In another embodiment, the position-sensing device is in aconvenient form factor applicable for transport. Based on a number ofembodiments of the present invention, position information can becomenot only a sought-after feature, but also a common commodity.

One embodiment of the invention includes a position-sensing device,which can be based on GPS technology. After acquiring position signals,the device extracts raw position data from the signals. Then, the devicewirelessly transmits the raw position data to a position-computingdevice. The position-computing device can be used to convert the rawposition data received into the position of the position-sensing device.The position-computing device can also receive auxiliary informationfrom auxiliary sensors. Further analysis can then be performed based onthe position and the auxiliary information. Examples of auxiliarysensors are pressure sensor, smoke detectors and heat sensors. Theauxiliary sensors can capture their corresponding auxiliary informationand provide them to the position-computing device.

The position-computing device can re-transmit the position of theposition-sensing device with the auxiliary information to a remote sitefor additional analysis. The remote site can include a website. Theremote site can provide additional intelligence and send different typesof information back to the position-computing device. For example,location, map or traffic information can be downloaded to theposition-computing device.

The position-computing device can also control an actuator. Based on ananalysis performed by the remote site, the position-computing device cansend a signal to an actuator to perform an operation. The operation cansimply be displaying a message, flashing a signal or turning on aheater.

In one embodiment, the position-sensing device does not include akeyboard or display. This facilitates the position-sensing device inbeing compact in size and inexpensive. In addition, in anotherembodiment, a number of components of the position-sensing device'scircuitry can be integrated together. For example, the components can beincorporated on two semiconductor chips, one substantially forradio-frequency circuits and the other for low-frequency basebandprocessing circuits. With the advantageous size and cost benefits, theposition-sensing devices can be conveniently included into packages forshipment to track the packages, or can be attached to a person formonitoring purposes.

In one approach, an auxiliary sensor can be integrated into theposition-sensing device, and the fabrication process can includemicromachining techniques.

FIG. 10 shows a position-sensing device 1102 according to one embodimentof the invention. The position-sensing device 1102 can be coupled to aposition-computing device 1110, which, in turn, can be coupled to anauxiliary sensor 1108, a remote site 1104, and an actuator 1106. Theposition-sensing device 1102 can be based on global positioning system(GPS) technology, and can be compact and inexpensive. In oneimplementation, in a general sense, the position-sensing device 1102only has to track the GPS satellites and send raw position data to theposition-computing device 1110 where position computation can beperformed. The position-sensing device 1102 can be very portable. Forexample, one can easily affix the position-sensing device 1102 to aperson, package or other object. As another example, theposition-sensing device 1102 can be temporarily placed within a vehicleand easily carried from one vehicle to another.

In one approach, the position-computing device 1110 receives andconverts the raw position data from the position-sensing device 1102into the position of the position-sensing device. In another approach,the position-computing device 1110 can receive the raw position datafrom the position-sensing device 1102 and then forward the raw positiondata (or a partially processed version thereof) to a remote computingdevice (e.g., remote server) for additional processing.

In one embodiment, a position sensor as used herein refers to a system,apparatus or device that includes not only a position-sensing device butalso a position-computing device. For example, with respect to FIG. 10,the position-sensing device 1102 and the position-computing device 1110can together be referred to as a position sensor.

FIG. 11 shows a number of embodiments for the position-computing device1110. The position-computing device 1110 can be a personal digitalassistant (PDA) 1112, a personal computer (PC) 1114, a cell phone 1116,a pager 1118, or other types of electronic device typically withcomputation and signal transceiving capabilities.

In one embodiment, the position-sensing device 1102 does not have anyuser input/output interface other than a link (e.g., wireless link) tothe position-computing device 1110. With such an embodiment, theposition-sensing device 1102 can be made particularly small and lowcost. The position-computing device 1110, which can be a portabledevice, can provide user-interface functionality. For example, theposition-computing device 1110 can include a keyboard, a touch-pad or astylus for information entry. The output of the position-computingdevice 1110 can be text, audio or graphical. When the position-computingdevice 1110 has a display screen, then text or graphics can be displayedon the display screen. As an example of a graphics output, theposition-computing device 1110 can display a moving map on the displayscreen. In the case of an audio output, the position-computing device1110 can, for example, output voice instructions pertaining topositions. In one embodiment, the computation capabilities of theposition-computing device 1110 are also applicable for otherapplications. For example, when the position-computing device 1110 isimplemented by a PDA 1112, the PDA 1112 can operate to performprocessing for calendars, appointments, address books, phone books, orother application provided by the PDA 1112.

FIG. 12 shows examples of connections that can be made by theposition-computing device 1110. Locally, the position-computing device1110 can be coupled to a position-sensing device 1102. In oneembodiment, the communication between the position-sensing device 1102and the position-computing device 1110 can, for example, be via aBluetooth network or a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi, 802.11a or 802.11b).In such an embodiment, the position-computing device 1110 can be placedanywhere within the signal reception range of the wireless link from theposition-sensing device 1102. For instance, the position-computingdevice 1110 can be placed in the shirt pocket of a driver, and theposition-sensing device can be on the dashboard of the car. In any case,since the position-computing device 1110 and the position-sensing device1102 do not have to be physically tied together via a cable, a userenjoys greater freedom in the placement of the position-sensing device1102 and the position-computing device 1110. In yet another embodiment,the communication between the position-sensing device 1102 and theposition-computing device 1110 can be through a serial connection (e.g.,USB or FIREWIRE link).

The position-computing device 1110 can also be wirelessly coupled to ahead set 1150 having a speaker and a microphone. Again, as an example,the wireless coupling between the position-computing device 1110 and theheat set 1150 can be via the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi protocols.

In one embodiment, a user wearing the headset 1150 can receive voiceinstructions via the wireless link between the position-computing device1110 and the headset 1150. In addition to receiving the voiceinstructions (e.g., voice directions), the user can also issue voicecommands to the position-computing device 1110 via the microphone of thehead set 1150. Alternatively, the headset 1150 can couple to theposition-computing device 1110 via a wired link (e.g., cable).

The position-computing device 1110 can be locally coupled to one or moreof the auxiliary sensors 1108. FIG. 13 shows examples of auxiliarysensors 1108. The auxiliary sensors 1108 capture or acquire auxiliaryinformation, and then can wirelessly transmit such information to theposition-computing device 1110. In one embodiment, an auxiliary sensoris not a position-sensing device.

The auxiliary sensor 1108 can be an environment sensor, capturinginformation regarding the environment where the position-sensing device1102 is located. For example, the auxiliary sensor 1108 can be a sensorfor temperature, humidity, wind speed, chemicals, particle, liquid,radiation, sound/acoustic, metal or pressure. When the auxiliary sensor1108 is a chemical sensor, the sensor can, for example, sense oxygenlevel or carbon monoxide level. Similar to a chemical sensor, theauxiliary sensor 1108 can be an odor sensor. When the auxiliary sensor1108 is a particle sensor, the sensor can, for example, be a smokedetector. When the auxiliary sensor 1108 is a radiation detector, thesensor can, for example, be a light sensor or an infrared detector. Whenthe auxiliary sensor 1108 is a pressure sensor, the sensor can, forexample, sense atmospheric pressure or device (e.g., tire) pressure.

The auxiliary sensor 1108 can also capture information pertaining to theposition-sensing device 1102. In other words, the auxiliary sensor 1108can sense information pertaining to the position-sensing device 1102itself, such as its motion or pressure asserted on it. The informationrelated to the motion of the position-sensing device 1102 can be itsspeed, direction of travel, acceleration, shock, or vibration. Regardingpressure, the auxiliary sensor 1108 can sense the force or pressureasserted on the position-sensing device 1102.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary sensor 1108 can be part of theposition-sensing device 1102 and sense information regarding a livingbeing (e.g., a person). The position-sensing device 1102 may be attachedto the being or be in close proximity to the being. The informationsensed by the auxiliary sensor 1108 can include the being's vitalparameters. For example, the auxiliary sensor 1108 can measure thebeing's body temperature, blood attributes, spirometry, heartconditions, brain wave, sound/acoustic waves, or body fat. The bloodattributes can include blood pressure, blood sugar or glucose level, orblood oxygen. Heart conditions can include ECG, heart rate, orarrhythmias. Sound/acoustic waves can be those measurable by astethoscope or an ultrasound scanner. The auxiliary sensors 1108 can benon-invasive or invasive. The auxiliary sensors 1108 can be in vitro orin vivo.

Still further, the auxiliary sensors 1108 can also pertain to sensorsfor color, pattern, or touch (tactile).

In one embodiment, the position-computing device 1110 can be coupled toa remote site 1156, and can transmit the position-sensing device'sposition and/or auxiliary information to the remote site 1156 foradditional analysis. The coupling can be through a local area network,or a wide area or global network. The wide area or global network can bea SMS network. The remote site 1156 can interface with users through awebsite. The additional analysis performed by the remote site 1156 caninclude a number of operations, such as labeling the positions of theposition-sensing device 1102, enhancing the accuracy of the labelsand/or positions, or compressing the position and/or auxiliaryinformation received, as, for example, described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/404,645, filed Aug. 19, 2002.

The remote site 1104 can also provide information to theposition-computing device 1110. FIG. 14 shows examples of informationprovided by the remote site 1104. For example, the remote site 1104 canprovide information regarding the environment of the position-computingdevice 1110, such as information on a destination entered by the userinto the position-computing device 1110. The destination can be a pointof interest. As the user is traveling towards the destination, since theremote site 1104 can be made aware of the position of theposition-sensing device 1102, route information can also be provided tothe position-computing device 1110. Route information can, for example,depend on pre-programmed maps or include current traffic conditions. Forexample, an accident has just occurred on the freeway and traffic isheld up. Such information can be transmitted to the user. In oneembodiment, the remote site 1104 can send emergency conditions to theposition-computing device 1110. For example, any emergency conditions,such as fire, flood and explosion, within a five-mile radius from aposition-sensing device will be sent to its correspondingposition-computing device 1110.

The remote site 1104 can provide information regarding a user to theposition-computing device 1110. The information can be personal to theuser of the position-computing device 1110. In one example, theinformation provided by the remote site 1104 can be medical in nature.For example, the user's heart beat is irregular and there is a hospitalclose to where the current position of the user. The remote site 1104can suggest that the user visit the hospital, and provide the user withthe corresponding directions. The hospital can also be notified of theimminent arrival and/or condition of the user by the remote site 1104 orthe position-computing device 1110.

In one embodiment, the position-computing device 1110 is also coupled tothe actuator 1106. In view of an analysis performed by theposition-computing device 1110 and/or the remote site 1104, the actuator1106 can be controlled to perform an action. FIG. 15 shows examples ofactions performed by the actuator 1106. In one embodiment, the action isa message to a user of the position-computing device 1110 or to anotherperson. The message can include text, audio or graphics. The message candescribe certain actions the recipient should perform. The message mightsimply be an alarm, which can be a flashing red light or an audibletone. The action performed by the actuator 1106 can also be a messagefor a different system. Based on the message, the different system caninitiate an action.

In another embodiment, the action performed by the actuator 1106 can bean action directly on a user. For example, in view of auxiliaryinformation regarding the user's glucose level, the actuator 1106 caninject small doses of insulin into the user's blood stream.

In still another embodiment, the action performed by the actuator 1106is an action on the environment or the surroundings in the vicinity ofthe position-sensing device 1102. For example, the action can beincreasing the power to a heater to increase temperature, or to speed upa fan to decrease temperature.

Auxiliary sensors and actuators can work in a closed-loop situation soas to reach a pre-set point. For example, as a temperature sensormonitors the temperature of an environment, an actuator adjusts thespeed of a fan or the power to an air-conditioner until a certainoptimal or pre-set temperature is reached.

FIG. 16 shows a position-sensing device according to one embodiment ofthe invention. The position-sensing device shown in FIG. 16 is suitablefor use as the position-sensing device 1102 shown in FIG. 10. Theposition-sensing device includes an antenna 1200, a down converter 1202,a position baseband circuit 1204, a communication baseband circuit 1206,and an up converter 1208. The up converter 1208 may also serve as a downconverter in another embodiment. Under that situation, the up converter1208 can be known as an up/down converter. The following description isdirected towards an embodiment that makes use of GPS to sense position,but it should be understood that the position-sensing device could useother technologies besides GPS.

In one embodiment, the antenna 1200 receives GPS RF signals and can alsoreceive and transmit communication RF signals. After GPS RF signals arecaptured, the down converter 1202 down-converts such signals receivedfrom the antenna 1200 to lower frequency signals or baseband signals forfurther processing.

The position baseband circuit 1204 extracts raw position data from theGPS baseband signals. The raw position data are related to thepseudo-ranges from GPS satellites. Typically, a GPS baseband processoruses a digital signal processor core, which controls a set of GPScorrelators. These correlators are usually set up to acquire and trackthe GPS satellite signals so as to produce the raw position data.

In one embodiment, raw position data are pseudo-ranges. Pseudo-rangesare typically estimates of distances between position-sensing devicesand GPS satellites. In another embodiment, raw position data are fromsignals captured by the position-sensing device, but are less processedthan pseudo-ranges. For example, as the GPS signals are received fromthe satellites, the position-sensing device does not perform thetracking calculations needed to maintain a closed tracking loop.Instead, the tracking calculations are performed by theposition-computing device to generate, for example, pseudo-ranges, whichare then used to generate a position. In this example, raw position datasent to the position-computing device are less processed thanpseudo-ranges. The position generated can be, for example, the longitudeand latitude of the position. In yet another embodiment, raw positiondata are information that needs additional processing before theircorresponding position, such as its longitude and latitude, can beidentified.

In one embodiment, the position-sensing device does not convert the rawposition data to identify the position of the position-sensing device.Instead, the raw position data are sent to the position-computing device1110, which will then compute a position based on these data. In anotherembodiment, these raw position data can be sent, via cellular link, toremote servers for position calculations. In either case, theposition-sensing device does not have to perform the intensive positioncomputations requiring processing capability from additional circuitryand consuming more power.

[000135] In one embodiment, to minimize space, and to reduce powerconsumption under certain circumstances, many components shown in FIG.16 in the position-sensing device are integrated into a high-frequencycircuit and a low-frequency circuit (FIG. 17). Sometimes, thehigh-frequency circuit can be called the analog circuit, while thelow-frequency circuit, the digital circuit. For example, the GPS downconverting and the communication up/down converting functions areintegrated into the high-frequency circuit; and the position basebandcircuit and the communication baseband circuit are integrated into thelow-frequency circuit. The high-frequency circuit can be on a chip orsubstrate, and the low-frequency circuit can be on another chip. Thisresults in a two-chip solution for a position-sensing device. In yetanother embodiment, all these circuits could be on a common chip wherehigh-speed analog circuits and digital circuits operate satisfactorilyon the same substrate. If the antenna is an integrated-circuit antenna,to reduce loss, the antenna may not be on the same substrate as theother circuits, but can be on a separate low-loss material. In anotherembodiment, a chip or a substrate can be a circuit board instead.

Certain components in the high-frequency section of the position-sensingdevice can be shared. FIG. 18 shows examples of such sharing. Both theGPS RF signals and the communication RF signals can share the samephysical antenna 1200. In one embodiment, the antenna 1200 can be apatch antenna 1250. Both the GPS RF signals and the communication RFsignals can also share the same frequency synthesizer 1252, locked to acommon timebase such as a crystal oscillator.

FIG. 19 shows one embodiment of the high-frequency circuit, using GPSand Bluetooth to illustrate different features. First, regarding thesignal path of the GPS signals, an antenna receives the GPS RF signals,which are then amplified by a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The subsequentRF signals are down-converted to lower or baseband frequencies. This canbe done by a mixer that mixes the RF signals with a LO signal from afrequency synthesizer. The mixer can be an image-reject mixer. Thefrequency synthesizer can be controlled by a temperature-compensatedvoltage-controlled external oscillator or timebase, which can be acrystal oscillator. The mixer output typically includes two signals, Iand Q signals, which are in phase quadrature with each other. Bothsignals are amplified and then sent to a GPS baseband processor.

For the Bluetooth signals to be transmitted by the position-sensingdevice to the position-computing device, a mixer receives the I and Qsignals from a Bluetooth baseband processor. The mixer, serving as an upconverter, converts the two sets of signals to RF signals by mixing themwith a LO signal from the frequency synthesizer. The communication RFsignals are then amplified by a power amplifier to generate theBluetooth RF output signals. The antenna then transmits the RF outputsignals to the position-computing device.

The position-computing device can also send Bluetooth RF input signalsto the position-sensing device. This can be, for example, controlsignals for power conservation, configuration or other functions. Otherfunctions can include initiating an action of accessing raw positiondata, or transmitting data to the position-computing device. As shown inFIG. 19, the Bluetooth RF input signals can go through similar signalprocessing as the GPS RF signals, but the I and Q signals aretransmitted to the Bluetooth baseband processor. In this case, the mixeralong the signal processing path can serve as a down converter.

A number of components are not shown in FIG. 19. For example, a modeswitching circuitry with 3-wire bus input can be used to control thedifferent modes of operation. In addition, there can be on-chipdiplexers to control signal traffic for the different modes. There maybe other passive components like filters for processing the RF andbaseband signals.

Similar to the high-frequency circuit, certain components in thelow-frequency circuit can be shared. FIG. 20 shows examples of suchsharing. The communication signals and the GPS signals may share thesame controller. An auxiliary sensor or an actuator can also share acontroller.

FIG. 21A shows one embodiment of the low-frequency circuit, again usingGPS and Bluetooth to illustrate different features. The GPS basebandprocessor receives and analyzes the GPS quadrature data, the I and Qsignals. The GPS baseband processor is controlled by a controller withon-chip memory.

The Bluetooth baseband processor receives and analyzes the Bluetoothquadrature data from the Bluetooth RF input signals. The Bluetoothbaseband processor is also responsible for generating the Bluetoothquadrature data, the I and Q signals, for the Bluetooth RF outputsignals. The Bluetooth baseband processor is controlled by thecontroller. The controller can have a separate and dedicatedcommunication processor. In such a case, the logic circuitry of thecontroller will be simplified.

The controller can also be used to control one or more auxiliary sensorsand/or one or more actuators. These auxiliary sensors and/or actuatorscan be integrated to the circuits of the position-sensing device, suchas the low-frequency circuit, or can be on separate circuits/chips, orcan be external to the device.

FIG. 21 B shows examples of integrating a position-sensing device withone or more different types of auxiliary sensors. Other types ofauxiliary sensors can be integrated. FIG. 21B provides examples forillustration purposes. The device can be integrated to a temperaturesensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a humidity sensor and awind speed sensor. The integration can be through integrated-circuittechniques, such as having one or more of auxiliary sensors on the sameintegrated circuit as the position-sensing device. Or, the integrationcan be through packaging, where one or more auxiliary sensors are in thesame package as the position-sensing device.

An example of a temperature sensor is a magnetoelastic thin-film strip.The material's magnetic response changes when it is heated or cooled. Amagnetoelastic thin-film strip can also be used as a stress sensor,again through monitoring its magnetic response. Such a strip can be, forexample, one inch in length.

In another embodiment, two or more different types of auxiliary sensorsare integrated together, without a position-sensing device.

The position-sensing device can be made relatively compact, enhancedthrough circuit integration. FIG. 22 shows examples of theposition-sensing device form factor. The position-sensing device can bethe size of a patch or a card (e.g., memory card or PC Card). Theantenna can be a patch antenna. A patch can be a structure whosethickness is less than 0.5 inch and whose surface area is less than2square inches, or more preferably 1 square inch. In this situation,power can be from a dc power supply or a battery (e.g., coin battery).The dc power supply can be from the cigarette lighter outlet of a car orfrom an ac outlet with an external transformer. Certain featuresdescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/404,645, filedAug. 19, 2002 can be incorporated into the position-sensing device toreduce power consumption.

In another embodiment, the size of the position-sensing device isthicker, more in the shape of a block. In this situation, the size isinfluenced by the size of its power source. For example, power can befrom a rechargeable battery or from AA batteries.

Different techniques may be used to fabricate different circuitsdescribed. FIG. 23 shows a few examples. The high-frequency circuit canbe fabricated by bipolar processes, while the low-frequency circuit byCMOS processes. In one example, both the high and low frequency circuitsare fabricated by CMOS processes. Other processing technologies can beused, such as BiCMOS, SiGe or SOI (Silicon-On-Insulator).

In one approach, an auxiliary sensor includes a mechanical device thatcan respond to mechanical forces. It can be fabricated by micromachiningtechniques. Devices made by micromachining techniques can also be knownas microelectromechanical systems or microsystems. The micromachiningtechniques include semiconductor processes. The auxiliary sensor can beintegrated with the position-sensing device, such as on thelow-frequency chip.

An example of an auxiliary sensor made by micromachining techniques is apressure sensor. It can include a square membrane bulk-etched in asilicon wafer. This process etches away most of the thickness of aregion of the die, called the diaphragm. Then piezoresistive (stresssensing) transducers can be deposited through diffusion to create aresistive bridge type structure. The etching process used to create thethin diaphragm can make the silicon wafer more fragile and susceptibleto breakage during handling. To reduce in-process damage, the etchprocess can be performed as the last major photolithography step. Thesensor can then be separated from the wafer, and bonded to a glass orPyrex plate, or to a ceramics plate to increase its mechanical strength.

Another example of such an auxiliary sensor made by micromachiningtechniques is a capacitive accelerometer or inertia sensing element. Itcan be a bulk micromachined capacitive accelerometer on a substrate.FIG. 24 shows an example. The accelerometer 1300 incorporates a movinginertial mass 1302 suspended by springs attached to a surrounding framestructure, which can be the substrate. There can be two springs 1304 and1306, one connected to each end of the moving inertial mass. Each springcan be micromachined beams in the shape of a rectangular box, with twolong beams connected at their ends. One of the long beam 1308 of thespring 1304 is stationary and is attached to the frame structure. Theother long beam 1310 is a movable or flexible beam. That long beam 1310is connected to one end of the inertial mass 1302, whose other end isconnected to the long beam 1312 that is movable and flexible, of theother spring 1306. Again, the other long beam of the spring 1306 isstationary and is attached to the frame structure.

The inertial mass 1302 has a metallic finger 1314. The finger 1314 ispositioned between two stationary metal bars, 1316 and 1318, on theframe structure. The distance between the finger 1314 and each of themetal bar changes as the inertial mass 1302 moves. This creates avariable capacitance between the moving inertial mass and each of themetal bars. There can be many fingers, each positioned between two bars,so as to have higher capacitance. To measure two axes of acceleration,two such accelerometers, positioned orthogonal to each other, can beused.

Yet another example of an auxiliary sensor made by micromachiningtechniques is for measuring information regarding a living being. In oneembodiment, sensors made by such techniques can take very small amountof materials from the being as samples for measurement.

The auxiliary sensor may not have to include a mechanical device. Forease of integration, such auxiliary sensors can be fabricated bysemiconductor processing techniques similar to those used in theposition-sensing device. For example, the auxiliary sensor is atemperature sensor implemented with a diode. The diode can be fabricatedon the same piece of substrate as the low-frequency circuit of theposition-sensing device. Assume the circuits of the device are in anenclosure. The temperature gradient between the inside of the enclosureand the outside ambient of the position-sensing device can be calculatedor measured. The temperature as measured by the diode on the substratecan be calibrated to subtract out the gradient. This will moreaccurately reflect the outside ambient temperature. In one embodiment,the temperature sensor is implemented with a thermal couple.

The auxiliary sensor can be in the same package as the position-sensingdevice but not share the same substrates as the circuits in theposition-sensing device. For example, the temperature sensing diode canbe separately encapsulated or enclosed, with the enclosed diode exposedto the outside environment, and with its leads bonded to circuitry inthe position-sensing device. As another example, the geometry of theauxiliary sensor can be much bigger than the numerous circuit componentsof the position-sensing device. To illustrate, the diaphragm in amicromachined pressure sensor can occupy significant area. This area canbe quite expansive if it is on the substrate of the low frequencycircuit of the device. Hence, the auxiliary sensor can be on a separatesubstrate or circuit board.

In one embodiment, different chips or circuit boards described arestacked, one on top of the other, instead of having one substantially onthe same plane as the other.

In yet another embodiment, an actuator also includes a mechanical devicethat can exert mechanical forces, and is fabricated by micromachiningtechniques. For example, the micromachined actuator is for administeringsmall doses of insulin into a person's blood stream.

In one embodiment, some of the high-frequency components in the deviceare also fabricated by micromachining techniques.

In one approach, the micromachining process is a bipolar process. Inanother, it is a CMOS process. In yet another approach, it is a BiCMOSprocess.

In one embodiment, a position sensing system can include more than onetype of position detection mechanisms. Such a system can be known as amulti-type position sensor. For example, two types of position detectionmechanisms can be a GPS sensor and a RF ID tag. In one embodiment, theRF ID tag can be integrated with circuitry of the GPS sensor. In anotherembodiment, the GPS sensor and the RF ID tag are on separate substratesor circuit boards, or in separate enclosures. In yet another embodiment,the RF ID tag is on a plastic substrate. The GPS sensor can provide morecoarse position information, while the RF ID tag provides finer positioninformation. In another example, the GPS sensor can provide positioninformation in an outdoor environment, while the RF ID tag can providefor position information in an indoor environment, such as a largewarehouse. The multi-type position sensor can include a position-sensorselector. When the multi-type position sensor is in transit from onewarehouse to another, the selector activates the GPS sensor to trackposition. When the multi-type position sensor is moved into a warehouse,the selector would select the RF ID tag to take over theposition-sensing responsibility. As another example, two types ofposition detection mechanisms can be a GPS sensor and a local wirelessnetwork sensor (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi transceiver). In oneembodiment, a multi-type position sensor, or at least the GPS sensorwithin the multi-type position sensor, extracts raw position data, butdoes not convert the raw position data into the position of themulti-type position sensor.

FIG. 25 shows a few examples of applications for the present invention.One application is in navigation. The position-sensing device can beattached to the top of the dashboard or to the rear window of a car. Theposition-computing device can be a PDA next to the driver or in thedriver's pocket. The PDA can contain a navigation program that performsroute calculations, based on user input (e.g., a destination location),with a map database stored in the PDA's memory. The map may bedownloaded from a remote site. The downloading can be performed beforeor after the destination position has been entered into the PDA. Thenavigation program allows the driver or a passenger to enter adestination position, e.g., in the format of a street address or a pointon a map display. The program then can compute a route based on the mapdatabase to guide the driver to that destination. Such guidance can bein the form of turn-by-turn voice instructions. As an example, a carrental company can incorporate such technologies into its car rentalpolicy and offer them as an additional feature.

Another application is in the area of asset tracking and management. Acost-effective asset tracking system can be built based on a number ofembodiments described. For example, a position sensor can include alow-cost GPS position-sensing sing device and a position-computingdevice (e.g., PDA with cellular or other wireless communicationability). The position-computing device can also be wirelessly connectedto a remote station or site.

In one embodiment, products/materials can be tracked by a positionsensing system. This can be used in supply-chain management. When aproduct requires multiple parts/materials to be assembled or integratedtogether, to have each of the right parts/materials available at theappropriate time is sometimes critical to success. To reduce totalcosts, a company has to control the amount of materials/parts at rest(inventory) and the speed and costs of materials/parts in motion(freight). If different parts/materials come from different channelpartners, to control cost, the company may want to work with theirpartners to keep their assets (the parts/materials) moving to thecompany at the minimum level needed to keep customers satisfied. Toachieve that, the company should know where the differentparts/materials are and to control the rate they are transported. Notonly would this help the company lower its expense by reducing itsinventory, the company can better satisfy its customers with sufficientinventory.

A piece of inventory can be in freight or it can be in a largewarehouse. Sometimes, the piece of inventory has to be tracked in bothsituations. In one embodiment, the position sensing system can includetwo types of position sensors—a multi-type-position sensor. One positionsensor (a GPS sensor) is for sensing the inventory when it is beingtransported from an airport to a warehouse, and the other (such as a RFID tag or a bar code) for sensing its location inside the warehouse. Inanother embodiment, a piece of large inventory can include manysub-pieces. The piece of inventory can be tracked by a GPS sensor, andmay also be tracked by a RF ID tag. Once inside the warehouse, the pieceof inventory can be transported to a center, where it is unpacked, witha number of the sub-pieces separately distributed through the warehouse.Each sub-piece can be identified and tracked within the warehouse by itsindividual bar-code or RF ID tag.

The inventory location information can be wirelessly entered into awarehouse management system, which allows users to see the status ofincoming goods, outgoing shipments, and available inventory. Reports canalso be generated. The warehouse management system can allow theinventory to be managed in real time. Such information is useful forprocuring, maintaining, transporting and delivering products throughevery stage of production from the source of supply to the final pointof consumption. Such information could also assist in providing an audittrail for accounting purposes.

The above embodiments describe tracking inventories, such as, by themanagement. However, a consumer can track a piece of inventory as well.A typical supply chain includes four entities—manufacturer, wholesaler,retailer and consumer. In one embodiment, a consumer can drive what amanufacturer should produce and ship. For example, the consumer can getin touch with the call center of the retailer, or enters his requestinto the retailer's web site. Such a request can directly go to themanufacturer, which would assemble the product to be shipped to theconsumer. Based on a number of the embodiments of the present invention,the consumer can track the location of his request in real time, such asthrough a web site. Thus, the consumer directly drives what should beproduced and shipped, and tracks his shipment, from inside a warehouseto his door step.

Another example of involving a consumer is for products at leastpartially assembled by the consumer. A retailer can have thousands ofcomponents in the store. It is up to the consumer to pick and choose thecomponents desired for subsequent integration. If the consumer selectstwo components, manufactured by two different manufacturers, theretailer can place the order to the two manufacturers. One goal of theretailer may be to ensure that both components arrive around the sametime at the retailer's store. The two components can be ready forshipment at different time. Or, the two components can arrive atdifferent time frames, even if they are shipped at the same time. Thiscan be due to differences in locations or differences in deliverymethod. One approach to achieve the retailer's goal is to allow thecomponent that needs more time (long-time component) before reaching theretailer dictate the delivery of the other component. For example, whenthe manufacturer of the long-time component is ready to ship itscomponent, that component is shipped, with its position tracked by anembodiment of the present invention. Only when the long-time componentis within a certain distance to the retailer, the retailer initiates thedelivery of the other component. In other words, the retailer (or thesystem automatically) changes the delivery time of the other componentbased on the position of the long-time component. When both componentsarrive, the retailer/system can notify the consumer.

In tracking assets, a position sensor can include additional auxiliarysensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors. The followingillustrates an example of asset tracking based on a position sensor andan auxiliary temperature sensor. Assume that a company needs to producea product that requires two very expensive parts to be integratedtogether at a warehouse. One part is manufactured by a localsub-contractor. The other part is from a remote sub-contractor thousandsof miles away. This other part is also temperature sensitive. Due tocost and liability, the company does not want to order and store any oneof the two parts in the warehouse unless the product has to be produced.Assume an order is received for the product. The company has asupply-chain management controller, which can include a warehousemanagement system. The controller automatically requests thesub-contractors to make and ship the parts so that the company canproduce the ordered product as needed.

Assume the temperature-sensing part is ready and is shipped first. Onceshipped, the controller tracks the temperature-sensitive part in motionbased on a position sensor. The controller is also aware of thetemperature of the ambient surrounding that part based on an auxiliarysensor. Assume the temperature-sensitive part becomes defective duringshipment due to accidental temperature rise, even though the part isstill thousands of miles away from the company. Since the temperaturesensor sends information to the controller, the controller is aware thatthe temperature-sensitive part has to be replaced. Based on suchinformation, the controller automatically orders the localsub-contractor to hold delivery of its part, until the remotesub-contractor is ready to ship a new temperature-sensitive part to thecompany.

Such real-time location and/or auxiliary information notification andcontrol are very helpful for a company to manage its inventory. Suchinformation is not only applicable to asset tracking/management, supplychain management or product management, but also can be applied toenterprise resource planning and customer relationship management. Forexample, in customer relationship management, a call center supportstaff can inform a customer of the location and condition of herproduct. Alternatively, a customer can access real-time information(e.g., location and condition) via a web interface or by receivingnotifications (e.g., email notifications).

Personnel tracking can be another application. For example, additionalauxiliary sensors such as body temperature or blood oxygen sensors, orheart-beat monitors can provide important physical health parameters tointerested persons (e.g., health professionals) wishing to monitor theposition and well-being of their clients. Personnel tracking can alsoinclude tracking of other forms of living beings, such as animals.

Different examples of sensors have been described. In one embodiment, asensor not only can sense but can also transmit information regarding anobject. For example, the sensor is a RF ID tag with information storedin the tag about an object. The tag can transmit such information to arecipient.

In a number of embodiments, not only can the size of theposition-sensing device be made compact, the position-sensing device canbe relatively inexpensive. For example, to reduce cost and size, theposition-sensing device does not have a display or keyboard entry foruser input. Information can be received and transmitted wirelessly.Also, the position-sensing device does not have to include circuitry toperform processing to calculate its position or determine actions.

A number of devices have been described where the position-sensingdevice is separated spatially from the position-computing device.Alternatively, the position-sensing device and the position-computingdevice are in one package.

A number of embodiments have been described that include aposition-computing device. One embodiment does not include aposition-computing device. Instead, its function is performed by aremote site. The corresponding position-sensing device directlycommunicates with and is controlled by the site. In this embodiment,auxiliary sensors and/or actuators can also communicate with and becontrolled by the site. As an alternative embodiment, theposition-sensing device can collect information from, and distributeinformation to, the additional auxiliary sensors and/or actuators. Inother words, the position-sensing device communicates with the site onbehalf of the auxiliary sensors and/or actuators.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a mobile device 1400 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The mobile device 1400 is suitable for useas a position sensing system, a medical monitoring device, a positiontracking device, or other positioning device.

The mobile device 1400 includes a controller 1402 that controls overalloperation of the mobile device 1400. A data store 1404 is connected tothe controller 1402 and provides storage of data. The data stored in thedata store 1404 can include program data 1406, configuration data 1408,and status data 1410. The status data 1410 are data related to thestatus of an object being monitored, such as position information and/orauxiliary information of the object. The status data 1410 are acquiredby one or more auxiliary sensors. A status manager 1412 couples to theone or more auxiliary sensors 1414. The controller 1402 interacts withthe status manager 1412 to obtain the status data 1410.

[000180] In addition, the controller 1402 couples to a position module1416 and a communication module 1418. The position module 1416 canreceive signals that are used to determine a position of the mobiledevice 1400. In one embodiment, the position module 1416 is a GPSreceiver. The communication module 1418 allows the mobile device 1400 tocommunicate in a wireless manner. The wireless communications are over awireless network (e.g., SMC network, a cellular network, a Bluetoothnetwork, a Wi-Fi network, etc.). The wireless communication capabilitiescan be used to communicate with a remote server (e.g., send status datato the remote server), sending or receiving messages (e.g.,notifications) to other mobile devices, or as an alternative oradditional means of determining position.

The mobile device 1400 can also include an actuator manager 1420 thatcouples to one or more actuators 1422. The actuators 1422 can becontrolled by the actuator manager 1420 to perform an action. Thecontroller 1402 interacts with the actuator manager 1420 to direct anyof the actuators 1422 to perform an action. FIG. 15 shows examples ofactions that could be performed by the actuators 1420. For example, theaction is a message to a user of the mobile device 1400, another person,a different system, or an action on a user.

The mobile device 1400 further includes a battery 1424 that suppliespower to the mobile device 1400. The controller 1402, or a power manager(not shown), can also perform power management functions to reduce powerconsumption and thus extend battery life. For example, circuits orcomponents can be power-off or placed in low-power mode when not active.Further, in one embodiment, the communication module 1418 and theposition module 1416 can share components to reduce cost, die areaconsumption and power consumption (see, e.g., FIGS. 16-21).

Although the mobile device 1400 shown in FIG. 26 includes the statusmanager 1412 and the actuator manager 1420, such managers are notrequired as their operations can be performed by the controller 1402.However, when provided, managers can off-load processing from thecontroller 1402 to the managers which reduce processing load on thecontroller 1402. The mobile device 1400 can also facilitate powermanagement by separately controlling power to the controller 1402 andany managers provided. In addition, the mobile device 1400 need notinclude any of the actuators 1422.

As described, a number of embodiments of the present invention can bequite compact. FIG. 27 shows a number of structural issues 1500regarding the devices for the present invention.

The circuits in a mobile device (e.g., a position sensing system, aposition sensing device, a medical monitoring device, or a positiontracking device) can be encapsulated or enclosed 1502 in a number ofways. For example, the circuits can be in a case or housing. Thecircuits can be enclosed by a molding compound. The molding compound canbe epoxy, rubber, plastic or other materials. The enclosed circuits canbecome the housing of the device.

After the enclosing, the enclosed circuits of the mobile device can beattached 1504 to an object (e.g., a package) or a being (e.g., a person)in a number of ways. For example, the enclosed circuits can be in amodule, with the module embedded as a unit into the object or being. Abeing can be a living being or a dead being, for example, a livingperson or a dead dog. The enclosed circuits can be attached (directly orindirectly) to the object or being through a clip and a pin. Theenclosed circuits can be referred to as being wearable. Other attachmenttechniques include Velcro® and adhesive, either permanently, such aswith a glue, or in a non-permanent manner, such as patches that areadhered to the body. The enclosed circuits can be attached with a band,such as an elastic band. The enclosed circuits can be attached by havinga ring or a hook. The enclosed circuits can be worn as a necklace,bracelet or other types of fashionable item.

The enclosed circuits can be attached by a mechanism that is designed tobe disposed or disposable. For example, the attachment can be through anadhesive tape that has an envelope or pocket. The enclosed circuits canbe provided in the envelope, and the envelope can be closed such as byVelcro® or adhesive. The tape can be attached to an object. Afterfinished using the circuits, a user can dispose of the tape, but keepthe enclosed circuits.

One embodiment of the invention includes a solar panel. The solar panelcan provide electrical power to, for example, a position-sensing device.The solar panel can thus charge a battery used to power the deviceand/or itself to power the device. When the device is affixed to anobject (e.g., a package), the solar panel can remain at least partiallyexposed to the outside of the object so as to be able to receive light.The solar panel can be integrated with the housing of the device or canbe separate and couple to the device via one or more wires (e.g., acable). For example, the battery 1424 of the mobile device 1400 can becharged by a solar panel.

In one embodiment, a user can set permission levels. These levels candetermine the identity of the person or system that can get informationfrom different embodiments of the present invention, such as aposition-computing device, a position-sensing device, a medicalmonitoring device, a mobile device and/or an auxiliary sensor. Thepermission levels can also include the time frame when a person orsystem can get the information. If the user desires, the user can eventurn the device off. In that situation, no one has the permission toaccess information. This can be done, for example, through enteringcommands into or programming a position-computing device, aposition-sensing device, a medical monitoring device, or a mobiledevice. In another embodiment, the permission can be set at a remotesite that communicates with a position-computing device, aposition-sensing device, a medical monitoring device or a mobile device.

In yet another embodiment, a position-sensing device or a positionsensor is not active until a battery is inserted or a switch is turnedon. The device might include a unique identifier, which can be a number.In another embodiment, the device is in a low power mode (e.g. sleepmode) but is programmed to wake up at certain times to listen forcommands directed to it. For example, a position-computing device cantransmit, through Bluetooth, to the device, a command and the uniqueidentifier, which is used to identify the recipient device of thecommands. Once the commands are received, the device becomes active.

In one embodiment, a position-sensing device includes two (2) modes oftransmissions 1550, as illustrated in FIG. 28. Raw position data can betransmitted through either one of the two modes. One mode is short range1552, and the other is long range 1554. The short-range transmission isto transmit, such as through Bluetooth, to a receiver in closeproximity. Such transmission can be to a position-computing device inits vicinity (e.g., within 30 feet). The other mode is much longerrange, such as to a Wi-Fi, cellular, or a pager network. Thislonger-range transmission consumes more power than the short rangetransmission. The destination for the long range transmission can be toa remote server. In another embodiment, the short-range transmission canbe through Wi-Fi also, while the long-range transmission can be to acellular or pager network.

In normal operation, the device prefers to transmit and receive signalsusing short-range communication. In one embodiment, after theposition-sensing device has been activated, the position-sensing devicestarts in a short-range mode. If the position-sensing device is unableto communicate with a recipient or an intermediate system, theposition-sensing device can switch to a long-range mode. For example,when the position-sensing device fails to receive either a signalrequesting for position information or an acknowledgement to itstransmitted signals after a preset duration of time, theposition-sensing device will automatically switch to communicate in thelong range mode with a recipient (e.g., a remote server). Theposition-sensing device can then periodically transmit its location tothe remote server.

One application of the two modes of transmission is for theftprevention. Imagine a truck shipping a package that has aposition-sensing device. During shipment, the position sensing devicetransmits its position information through short-range communication toa position-computing device attached to the truck. Theposition-computing device transmits the position of the package to themain office of the trucking company. Unbeknown to the driver, when he ishaving lunch at a restaurant, a thief breaks into his truck and stealsthe package. For the next hour, the position-sensing device neverreceives a signal requesting for location information or anacknowledgement to its transmitted signals. After the hour has elapsed,the position-sensing device can automatically send its unique identifieras a status signal, through a wireless (e.g., cellular) network, to themain office of the trucking company. If the signal is not received, thedevice can resend the signal every fifteen minutes. The office, afterreceiving the status signal, can request for the location of the package(i.e., the position-sensing device). The position-sensing device,getting the request, can transmit its location information through thewireless means to the office. Alternatively, the status signal coulditself contain the location of the package. In either case, the officeis notified of the location and thus is able to track the position ofthe stolen package.

In another embodiment, instead of transmitting through cellular means,the device transmits information using a Wi-Fi signal to tap into aWi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi hub receiving the signal can direct it to apredetermined remote site, such as to the main office in the aboveexample. The transmission of information from/to the position-sensingdevice can also be in a text message format (e.g., email or instantmessage). For example, the information can be transmitted over a SMSnetwork or other pager type network.

A number of embodiments have been described where positions areidentified based on GPS technologies. Other wireless technologies arealso applicable, for example, using the techniques of triangulation. Inone embodiment, the wireless technologies are based on aposition-sensing device accessing or capturing television signals fromsuch as three TV signal transmission towers. Triangulation techniquesare then performed using synchronization codes in the TV signals toidentify the location of that position-sensing device. In embodimentswhere positions are identified not based on GPS technologies,pseudo-ranges can become estimates of distances between position-sensingdevices and locations whose known and well-defined co-ordinates can bebroadcasted and captured by the position-sensing devices.

The above-described systems, devices, methods and processes can be usedtogether with other aspects of an object tracking system, including thevarious aspects described in: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/444,198, filed Jan. 30, 2003, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MONITORING, DELIVERING, MANAGINGAND USING STATUS INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/418,491,filed Oct. 15, 2002, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FORACQUIRING, PRESENTING, MONITORING, DELIVERING, MANAGING AND USING STATUSINFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii)U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/404,645, filed Aug. 19, 2002,and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING, PRESENTING,MONITORING, DELIVERING, MANAGING AND USING POSITION AND OTHERINFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (iv)U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/375,998, filed Apr. 24, 2002,and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACQUIRING, PRESENTING,MANAGING AND USING POSITION INFORMATION,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

The various embodiments, implementations and features of the inventionnoted above can be combined in various ways or used separately. Thoseskilled in the art will understand from the description that theinvention can be equally applied to or used in other various differentsettings with respect to various combinations, embodiments,implementations or features provided in the description herein.

The invention can be implemented in software, hardware or a combinationof hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computerreadable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readablemedium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. Thecomputer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupledcomputer systems so that the computer readable code is stored andexecuted in a distributed fashion.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments orimplementations may yield different advantages. One advantage of theinvention is that interested persons can track and/or be notified as tostatus of an object. Another advantage of the invention is that statusof an object can be monitored such that not only position informationbut also shipping conditions information are able to be monitored duringshipment. Still another advantage of the invention is that statusinformation of an object being transported can be obtained by aninterested party (e.g., shipper, recipient or third-party) throughnotifications or through access to a website (e.g., tracking server).

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appendedclaims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention.Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention tothe exact construction and operation as illustrated and described.Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to asfalling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for tracking movement of one or moreobjects, said apparatus comprising: a storage device to store at leastcomputer program code; and at least one processor to perform at leastsome of the stored computer program code, the at least one processorperforming at least some of the stored computer program code to trackmovement of an object, the stored computer program code comprises:computer program code for receiving status information associated withthe object during movement, the status information being provided bystatus monitoring electronic circuitry provided proximate to the objectduring its movement, the status information including at least positioninformation and condition information, and the condition informationbeing related to conditions of or around the object; computer programcode for determining whether a notification condition pertaining to theobject exists based on the status information; computer program code forproducing a notification message when the notification condition isdetermined to exist; and computer program code for initiatingelectronically sending the notification message that has been producedto an interested user, wherein the notification condition is determinedto exist at least if the condition information indicates that at leastone condition exceeds a predetermined threshold, and wherein the statusmonitoring electronic circuitry is configured to control an actuatorbased at least in part on the status information, the actuator beingoperatively coupled to the status monitoring electronic circuitry atleast during movement of the object.
 2. A method for tracking movementof one or more objects, the method comprising: receiving statusinformation associated with a object during movement, the statusinformation being provided by status monitoring electronic circuitryprovided proximate to the object during movement of the object, thestatus information including at least position information and conditioninformation, and the condition information being related to conditionsof or around the object being shipped; determining whether anotification condition pertaining to the object exists based on thestatus information, the notification condition being determined to existat least if the condition information indicates that at least onecondition exceeds a predetermined threshold; producing a notificationmessage when the notification condition is determined to exist;initiating electronically sending the notification message that has beenproduced to an interested user; and activating, via the statusmonitoring electronic circuitry, an actuator that is coupled to thestatus monitoring electronic circuitry at least during movement of theobject, the activating being dependent on at least in part on the statusinformation.
 3. An apparatus for monitoring movement of a plurality ofmovable objects suitable for deliveries, each of the movable objectsincluding at least electronic circuitry and an electro-mechanicaldevice, said apparatus comprising: a storage device to store at leastcomputer program code; and at least one processor to perform at leastsome of the stored computer program code, the at least one processorperforming at least some of the stored computer program code to monitorthe movable object during a delivery, the stored computer program codeincludes at least: computer program code for receiving statusinformation associated with the movable object, the status informationbeing provided by the electronic circuitry, the status informationincluding at least position information and environmental information,and the environmental information being related to at least a conditionof or around the movable object; computer program code for determiningwhether a notification condition pertaining to the movable object existsbased on the status information and at least one notification criterion;computer program code for producing a notification message when thenotification condition exists; and computer program code for initiatingelectronically sending the notification message to an interested user,wherein the notification condition is determined to exist if theenvironmental information includes at least one condition that exceeds apredetermined threshold, and wherein the electronic circuitry of themovable object is configured to induce or influence activation of theelectro-mechanical device of the movable object dependent at least inpart on the status information.